Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Act of Parliament
Abbreviation: Act
A law that has completed the parliamentary process and received Royal Assent.
Adjournment Debate
A debate, usually on a specific issue, held without a vote on a substantive motion.
Affirmative Procedure
A process requiring Parliament to approve a piece of delegated legislation before it can take effect.
All-Party Parliamentary Group
Abbreviation: APPG
An informal cross-party group of MPs and peers with no official status within Parliament.
Allocation of Time Motion
A motion limiting the time available for debate on a bill or other business.
Amendment
A proposed change to the wording of a bill, motion, or other parliamentary text.
Amendment Paper
A parliamentary paper listing amendments tabled to a bill or motion.
Annunciator
The parliamentary system that displays live information about current business in the Commons and Lords.